What your organisational style reveals about your personality

From decanting soap into posh bottles to filling every free space with photographs and accessories, what do your organisation obsessions say about you?

New research by furniture brand Maisons du Monde has revealed that we are a nation of organisers. 33% of Brits transfer premium pasta, coffee and tea into display jars but never actually use it, while 25% bring out their 'best' towels in the bathroom just to impress guests.

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And, rather surprisingly, for some Brits organising goes way beyond their own home, as 27% confess to arranging objects in their friend's house, while 33% like to re-set tables when eating out in restaurants.

Does this ring true for you? Well, apparently there are four different types of home organisers – Decorative Decanters, Heartfelt Hoarders, Opportunistic Organisers and Mindful Maximalists – and they can reveal a lot about our personalities.

1. Decorative Decanters

33% of people decant premium food and drink into display containers but never eat or drink it

56% admit to having display candles which they never light – just for the beauty of this decoration essential

25% have special 'best' towels, napkins or oven gloves which are kept purely to make an impression on guests

GettyCarolyn Barber

Personality traits

People demonstrating this personality type tend to have a relaxed attitude to their home when alone, however, they are always careful to give off a good impression to visitors. Essentially, Decorative Decanters are houseproud and always want to make a good impression.

Donna explains: 'This type of person tends to be very ambitious and will work hard to attain what they want. Their creativity is at its best when they are under pressure. Their time management isn't a priority as they'd rather be relaxing, having a good time – but they can manage it in spurts.

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'They only tend to do housework when necessary but put even more effort in when visitors are coming. They want to show their home at its best, and know it's the small things that make a big impression – so they rush around, creating an impressive upmarket space.'

2. Heartfelt Hoarders

Research found that...

A staggering 42% of Brits identify as Heartfelt Hoarders

56% still own their favourite childhood toy

66% still store clothes they haven't worn for over 10 years

GettyFrancesca Lagonika / EyeEm

Personality traits

Heartfelt Hoarders are often sentimental about objects such as perfume, art pieces and music, and tend to be inspired by their imagination when decorating their home. According to Donna, people demonstrating this personality trait 'tend to be quieter and more thoughtful, with a romantic, nostalgic streak. People are important to them and they put a lot of work into their friendships and relationships, hoping to get back as much as they give'.

Heartfelt Hoarders also spend one and a half days a year creating and flicking through photo albums. 'The past is also precious, and to this end they keep photo albums and hold onto special cards and love letters. Much of this is not on public show,' explains Donna.

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3. Mindful Maximalists

Research found that...

20% of Brits see themselves as Mindful Maximalists

58% said that they often run out of shelf space to display all their ornaments and photos

Despite this, a further 45% admitted to still buying objects they liked, without having anywhere to store them

GettyIvana Cespi / EyeEm

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Personality traits

According to Donna, Mindful Maximalists have 'a confident, outgoing personality. They love being with people and talking about their life experiences, and feel that their homes should reveal the souvenirs and life trophies they've accumulated'.

People displaying this personality type are also to create a welcoming interior to welcome their friends, colleagues and neighbours.

'They believe in a balanced life: working hard and playing hard,' says Donna. 'They think about new opportunities all the time, as they want to succeed using any creative talents they have. They manage time to suit themselves, and are usually self-employed. Stress is seen as something positive; a spur to greater things.'

4. Opportunistic Organisers

Research found that...

27% of people said that they like to rearrange shoes, pillows or cutlery in a friend's house

67% enjoy reorganising the cupboards at work, satisfying their cravings for order

33% even admitted to rearranging tables to their liking when eating out in restaurants

Gettyersinkisacik

Personality traits

According to Donna, people demonstrating these behaviour types are 'most at ease when everything is in its rightful place and then they can truly relax'. They also tend to be 'hardworking and practical' and their creative streak tends to be revealed in the way they organise things.

'All areas of their life tend to run like clockwork and they are very good timekeepers, rarely late for events,' Donna explains. 'They mean well and try to be helpful… they just sometimes need to consider when to let go and allow people to be themselves, and when to delegate and sit back.'

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